大家
The English phrase 'guys' can be translated into Chinese as 大家.
大家 literally means 'everyone', but it is frequently used to address a group of people as 'you guys' in a friendly or casual manner.
Which one should you use?
Unlike the English 'guys', which can sometimes refer to a mixed-gender group or even just males, the Chinese 大家 is gender-neutral and refers to the entire group present.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
If you want to address a group more formally than 大家, use 各位, which means 'everyone' or 'ladies and gentlemen'. Additionally, 诸位 is a formal way to address a group of people.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often try to translate 'guys' as 男孩们, but this specifically means 'boys' and is not a suitable equivalent for the general address 'guys'.
Did you know?
- The characters in 大家 can also mean 'big family'. Depending on the context, the word can switch from addressing a group of 'guys' to describing a large kinship group.
- Using the extremely formal 诸位 can actually create an awkward distance in a friendly gathering, making you sound like a character from an old historical film.
- The formal version 各位 is often used by hosts or presenters to signal that they have the audience's full attention, acting as a verbal spotlight.
Examples in context
- 大家在說什麼啊？What are you guys talking about?This sentence shows how to use 大家 when asking what a group is talking about.Tatoeba #13550655 by LeviHighway, translation #3574360 by CK
- 我想要大家伙帮我个忙。I want you guys to do me a favor.This sentence demonstrates using 大家 when asking a group for a favor.Tatoeba #5091648 by mirrorvan, translation #2145013 by MethodGT
- 樂團現在將為大家演奏他們的最新歌曲。開始吧，夥計們！The band will play their latest song for you now. Take it away, guys!This sentence uses 大家 to show a performance being played for a group.Tatoeba #13573936 by LeviHighway, translation #9567492 by AlanF_US
- 你们准备好了吗？Are you guys ready?
- 伙计们，我们一起去看电影吧！Guys, let's go watch a movie together!
Example conversation
Yuting and Zhiqiang are at a meeting with colleagues.
- 雨婷 Yuting大家请听我说。Dàjiā qǐng tīng wǒ shuō.Guys, please listen to me.
- 志强 Zhiqiang好的，雨婷。Hǎo de, Yǔtíng.Okay, Yuting.
- 雨婷 Yuting大家觉得这个计划怎么样？Dàjiā juéde zhège jìhuà zěnmeyàng?What do you guys think of this plan?
- 志强 Zhiqiang我认为非常完美。Wǒ rènwéi fēicháng wánměi.I think it is perfect.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
